Five People Killed in Limpopo Amid Heavy Rains
Five people have died as a result of heavy rains in South Africa’s Limpopo Province, with extensive damage to infrastructure, according to the local government.
According to police, two 16-year-old boys drowned while attempting to cross a river in the Luvuvhu River in Xikundu, Limpopo on Saturday.
In another incident police divers were called to the Phalala River after three people – two young boys and an adult – drowned.
Police spokesperson, Colonel Malesela Ledwaba, said divers were called to the scene where the lifeless bodies were retrieved from the river.
“The police, working with emergency services personnel, managed to retrieve two bodies and had to call the search off after coming across seven hippopotamuses, two of which charged at the search team,” said Ledwaba.
“Our divers were summoned to Phalala River after three people, two young boys and an adult, drowned in the river,” Limpopo police spokesperson Hlulani Mashaba said.
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Mashaba said the police managed to retrieve two lifeless bodies after search and rescue operations had to be suspended due to the presence of dangerous animals.
“We had to stop the search due to our divers coming across hippopotamuses, and they were charging at them, and as a result, it was not safe to continue.”
Operations to find the last remaining body are expected to continue.
“We are calling upon parents, caregivers and guardians to ensure that children do not go in low laying areas, especially in areas that are prone to floods, so that we do not experience what we experienced in recent times,” Mashaba cautioned.
The South African Weather Service issued orange level five weather warnings for Gauteng, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, and KwaZulu-Natal. Heavy downpours are expected from Sunday into the week.
The Limpopo provincial government on Thursday reported significant damage to school infrastructure, roads, and houses, with several areas left inaccessible.
“We are saddened by the loss of five lives reported as a result of this rain, especially in the Waterberg and Vhembe areas. The outpouring has resulted in damages beyond our anticipation, and we extend our condolences to the families and friends of those who have passed away,” Premier of Limpopo Province Phophi Ramathuba said.
She said a multi-departmental team had been assembled to assess the damage and address the situation.
“The team should make immediate interventions with visits to affected communities to fix damaged roads and schools that have collapsed. We shall use available capacity within Public Works to make interventions on roads and bridges that have been swept away while the social development department deals with affected families,” the premier said.